A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Greensboro vs. Columbia for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Greensboro or Columbia?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Greensboro and Columbia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a friendly, welcoming, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Columbia

Columbia is a friendly, welcoming, and suburban city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Greensboro and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Greensboro or Columbia?

Both Columbia and Greensboro have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Greensboro is well known for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants. Columbia is well known for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Greensboro different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia and Greensboro. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Greensboro or Columbia?

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Greensboro and Columbia.

Greensboro offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Greensboro Science Center is a highlight for families. Other interesting museums around town include the Elsewhere Modern Art Museum, the Greensboro History Museum, the International Civil Rights Center, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

Is the Food Better in Greensboro or Columbia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Greensboro and Columbia offer a number of respectable restaurants to choose from.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Greensboro. You'll find a good selection of restaurants around town with Mexican, southern, Italian, and Chinese all being popular options.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Greensboro or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Greensboro and Columbia.

Greensboro has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

If you're looking for night time activities Columbia has a few options to choose from. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Columbia?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Columbia and Greensboro.

Greensboro offers some nice shopping areas. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Greensboro or Columbia Better for Families?

Both Greensboro and Columbia are notable family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Greensboro. Kids will love visiting the Greensboro Science Center, which has hands-on science exhibits and a small zoo. Younger kids will also enjoy a visit to the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. During the summer months the Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park is a great way to spend a day. Other times of the year, there are indoor play spaces and movie theaters around town.

Columbia offers lots of family activities. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Greensboro or Columbia Better for Couples?

Most people don't think of either Greensboro or Columbia as a couple's destination.

Most people don't think of Greensboro as a couple's destination. The Carolina Theater makes a great date night activity. There is also a diverse selection of restaurants around town and a few parks for a daytime outing.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Greensboro or Columbia Better for Students?

Greensboro and Columbia are notable places to visit for students.

Greensboro is popular with students. University of North Carolina at Greensboro attracts students to the city. There are also several smaller colleges in the area.

It's common for students to visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Is Greensboro or Columbia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Greensboro and Columbia.

Public transit is generally limited in Greensboro. There are several bus routes around town, but you really can depend on them to get where you're going. A car is important for making the most of your trip.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Greensboro or Columbia a more walkable city?

Greensboro is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Greensboro is generally not very walkable. Most areas aren't walkable, but for the most pedestrian-friendly sections head to College Hill, downtown, or Brice Street.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

For even more information, also check out Is Greensboro Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Greensboro or Columbia to fill your time. In our opinion, Greensboro has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Greensboro than Columbia. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Greensboro than Columbia. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Greensboro, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Greensboro than Columbia. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Greensboro that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Greensboro than Columbia if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Greensboro.

One day in Greensboro or Columbia?

The city of Greensboro offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the suburban city of Columbia, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbia, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Greensboro or Columbia?

Greensboro is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Greensboro, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Columbia, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Greensboro or Columbia?

Greensboro is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Columbia, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Greensboro or Columbia?

Greensboro is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Columbia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Greensboro and Columbia, we can see that Greensboro is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Greensboro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Greensboro than you might in Columbia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Greensboro Expensive? and Is Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Columbia?

Greensboro has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Greensboro and Columbia, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Greensboro or Columbia?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Greensboro or Columbia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Columbia. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Greensboro this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences.

Greensboro is around the same temperature as Columbia in the summer. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Columbia fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In Greensboro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during summer. Greensboro gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Greensboro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbia. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Greensboro or Columbia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Columbia. Many travelers come to Greensboro for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Columbia in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Greensboro is around the same temperature as Columbia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Greensboro in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Greensboro this time of the year. In the autumn, Greensboro often gets less sunshine than Columbia. Greensboro gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun.

Greensboro usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Columbia. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Greensboro or Columbia in the Winter?

Both Columbia and Greensboro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Greensboro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Greensboro can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Greensboro is generally much colder than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 40°F (4°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Greensboro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during winter. Greensboro gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Greensboro usually receives less rain than Columbia. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Greensboro or Columbia in the Spring?

Both Columbia and Greensboro during the spring are popular places to visit.

Greensboro is around the same temperature as Columbia in the spring. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Greensboro. In the spring, Greensboro often gets less sunshine than Columbia. Greensboro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun.

Greensboro usually gets more rain in April than Columbia. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Greensboro